FAQ
Where is it being installed?
When Community leaders got together to propose a route for this separated pathway their first step was to look at abandoned rails, or along side active rails. Unfortunately, the Mid Michigan area has no usable rail lines.
The next best option was to look at federal highways. As Old US Highway 27 and US 127 both have 100ft right-of-ways (50ft on each side), this was the next obvious location for a non-motorized pathway
Who will use the Pathway?
This pathway will be utilized by; bicyclists, walkers, runners, handicap users, and rollerbladers in the warmer months with cross country skiers utilizing the pathway in the winter months. Families, individuals, young and old will all have access to this trail for recreation and comminuting needs. By incorporating art in this pathway it will also be an economic draw for tourism to our area.
What about Crime and Vandalism?
Non-Motorized pathways throughout the Country have reported lower crime, vandalism, and littering rates in areas after trails are installed.
What about Liability and insurance?
The Mid MI Community Pathways group will be covering an insurance policy on the trail. Adjacent property owners are protected by Michigan Public Acts 26 and 27, from liability for injuries to persons that stray onto their property from a public trail (except in cased of gross negligence).
What is it made of?
Ideally this trail will be a separated non-motorized paved pathway. The pathway will be a 10ft wide paved pathway, with 2ft of crushed gravel on either side of the trail. It may be necessary to begin the process with a gravel pathway, until further funding is available to allow for a paved pathway.
Who will pay for the Pathway?
Construction funds will be coming from various grants and individual donations. Maintenance funds will come from user fees, private donations, grants, and the sale of various art installations located throughout the trail system.
Will my taxes increase?
No. The pathway will not use any funding from local taxes. The pathway has no legal authority to tax and never can. The pathway will use Federal and State grants set aside for similar projects.
What about my trees?
We will make every attempt to disrupt as few trees, and shrubs as possible. Part of the beauty and attraction of a path such as this is the natural landscaping that already exists. As the budget allows more trees and landscaping will be installed to add to the existing landscaping.
What will it do for local businesses?
Evidence suggests that if business owners and entrepreneurs along the proposed pathway take advantage of the opportunities provided that the rural communities could benefit economically from trail-related activity.
How Do I To Donate?
The Mid-Michigan Community Pathways Groups is able to accept tax-deductible contributions for the development of the regional pathway system through a component fund set up with the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. Gifts of cash, checks and other assets are accepted.